Home runs make up many of the most storied moments in MLB postseason history, but October isn't exactly known for offense. Pitching is the name of the game when the weather gets cooler, and it prevails more often than not after the regular season comes to an end.
Some sluggers have found a way to break through under baseball's biggest spotlight. A dozen hitters share the single-game postseason home run record, and the latest player to join the fray was an appropriate one: Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
On a night in which he also tossed six shutout innings and struck out 10 batters, Ohtani blasted three home runs to help the Dodgers advance to the 2025 World Series.
Here's a look at who Ohtani joined with his legendary performance.
MORE: Inside Shohei Ohtani's family tree
Most home runs in MLB playoff game
There have been 13 games of three home runs in MLB postseason history. Unlike the regular season, no player has ever hit four home runs in a playoff game.
| Player | HR | Date | Team | Opponent | Round |
| Shohei Ohtani | 3 | Oct. 17, 2025 | Dodgers | Brewers | NLCS |
| Chris Taylor | 3 | Oct. 21, 2021 | Dodgers | Braves | NLCS |
| Kiké Hernandez | 3 | Oct. 19, 2017 | Dodgers | Cubs | NLCS |
| Jose Altuve | 3 | Oct. 5, 2017 | Astros | Red Sox | ALDS |
| Pablo Sandoval | 3 | Oct. 24, 2012 | Giants | Tigers | World Series |
| Albert Pujols | 3 | Oct. 22, 2011 | Cardinals | Rangers | World Series |
| Adrian Beltre | 3 | Oct. 4, 2011 | Rangers | Rays | ALDS |
| Adam Kennedy | 3 | Oct. 13, 2002 | Angels | Twins | ALCS |
| George Brett | 3 | Oct. 6, 1978 | Royals | Yankees | ALCS |
| Reggie Jackson | 3 | Oct. 18, 1977 | Yankees | Dodgers | World Series |
| Bob Robertson | 3 | Oct. 3, 1971 | Pirates | Giants | NLCS |
| Babe Ruth | 3 | Oct. 9, 1928 | Yankees | Cardinals | World Series |
| Babe Ruth | 3 | Oct. 6, 1926 | Yankees | Cardinals | World Series |
Ohtani stands with 11 other players, including Babe Ruth, who hit three home runs in a postseason game twice. The group also includes Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, George Brett and Adrian Beltre, with Albert Pujols set to join that trio in Cooperstown and Jose Altuve potentially on that path as well.
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Ohtani's 3-home run game might stand alone for one reason: he also pitched, and he pitched well. Ohtani tossed six shutout innings, allowing only two hits and striking out 10 batters to seal a trip to the World Series for the Dodgers.
Here is a look at Ohtani's third home run:
SHOHEI OHTANI IS HAVING ONE OF THE GREATEST POSTSEASON GAMES EVER pic.twitter.com/WboZ7ZZJhn
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 18, 2025
Remarkably, five of those 13 3-home run games came in either a pennant or World Series clincher, with Ruth (1928), Jackson, Adam Kennedy and Kiké Hernandez all hitting three home runs in a series-clincher. With the Dodgers' win, Ohtani joined that exclusive club as well.